Health Policy today is determined by the goals and actions of health related decisions in a given society. As such, health policy can define the vision for the future by identifying priorities, roles and responsibilities, and affecting change, preferably towards the betterment of health for the population. This course examines the development and the use of health policy with specific emphasis on management, economics of care, the development of health systems and services, and health politics. In understanding constructions of health policy, students explore key aspects of health management, and gain a practical skill set for the integration and implementation of policy at various levels of health provision, care, and leadership.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Analyze and examine the utility and effectiveness of health policy initiatives in various system, organizational, and country contexts.
2. Design and propose health policy options to address key concerns that impact the health of a population or sub-population.
3. Assess, revise, and implement managerial practices that support the implementation and action towards proposed or accepted health policies at various levels.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1: Unit 1 – Historical, Legal, and Ethical Perspectives on Health Policy

Week 2: Unit 2 – Strategic Planning Process Part I: Assessment, and Situation Analysis Development

Week 3: Unit 3 – Strategic Planning Process Part II: Priority Setting & Planning

Week 4: Unit 4 – Economic and Resources Considerations for Health Policy

Week 5: Unit 5 – Health Policy and the Delivery of Health Services

Week 6: Unit 6 – Research Methods for Health Policy and Management

Week 7: Unit 7 – Overview of Leadership & Management in a Health-Oriented Setting

Week 8: Unit 8 – Evaluation and Assessment of Health Policy & Management Implications

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Historical, Legal, and Ethical Perspectives on Health Policy

• Introduce Yourself in the Course Forum
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Strategic Planning Process Part I: Assessment, and Situation Analysis Development

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Strategic Planning Process Part II: Priority Setting & Planning

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Economic and Resources Considerations for Health Policy

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: Health Policy and the Delivery of Health Services

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Research Methods for Health Policy and Management

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 7: Overview of Leadership & Management in a Health-Oriented Setting

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Evaluation and Assessment of Health Policy & Management Implications

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Read the Learning Guide
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor